b'A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNhalf fell through, sparking a rethink. The leaseWhen we got together, I didnt have toHaddon but it never fazed her. She had the on Barry and Judys Mt Roskill business wasthink once more about going home and doingrespect of all the men and was particularly coming to an end so they decided to up sticksmy books; I didnt have to think about pricingpopular on Thursdays when she paid alland move to Span Farm. Its then that theythe next job. And Barry no longer had to thinktheir wages. Judy had a reputation for all decided to merge the two businesses andabout running his workshop, says Bob. efficiency and accuracy, and the books were Dixon & Haddon was born. Each was relieved of certain jobs and theyalways immaculate.It was a perfect relationship with the threecouldnt have been happier. It meant they of us, says Barry. could focus on getting the work at the right Judy was passionate about maintaining price, fabricating at the right price and at Previous page: Bob Haddons first workshopan old sheep shearing shed at Span Farm.the finances. Barry felt similarly aboutthe right time, and maintaining a soundAbove from left to right: Barry Dixon, Barry building industry connections and winningfinancial footing. and Judy Dixon, Bob Haddon. work. And Bob was most at home overseeingJudy spent three days a week in the office.Right: Span Farm in the 1950s, viewed from the water. Photo courtesy of Auckland Libraries the workshop and executing the projects.She was the only woman working at Dixon &Heritage Collections.12'